The three common dog allergies you need to know

There’s plenty to love about the warmer months, but it’s a testing time for dog allergies. Allergies, and their associated skin and ear infections, are one of the top reasons dogs see the vet. If you suspect yours has an allergy, early intervention is key, says Dr Dani Hoolahan from Veterinary Dermatology Clinic. “Keep a diary of symptoms, including photos of any lesions,” she suggests. “This can help identify any triggers – for example do your dog’s feet become red and itchy after going for a walk? Are symptoms worse in a particular season?” There are three common allergy types. The same symptoms can occur across all of them, and it’s possible for your dog to have more than one. We break them down.

What are the top three dog allergies?

• Fleas: You may not see them on your dog, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering from this allergy. One flea bite on an allergic pet can cause two weeks of nasty itching for your dog.
• Food: The most common food allergies in dogs is protein, with grains and dairy also possible causes of itching and redness. Testing and an elimination diet (supervised by your vet) is recommended for treatment.
• Environmental: This type of allergy is caused by pollens, moulds, danders and dust mites – all the things that cause your hay fever symptoms. A thorough investigation needs to be carried out to rule out other possible causes.

How to spot flea allergy symptoms and treatment

Fleas can make any dog itchy, but flea allergy dermatitis is another level of irritation. If your dog becomes allergic to the saliva of fleas, they’ll have an intense itch – even after just one bite – particularly across the lower back and tail base, which can cause hair loss and infection from scratching and biting. “Just because you don’t see a live flea on your pet, does not mean they aren’t suffering from this type of allergy,” says Dr Hoolahan. “It only takes one flea bite on an allergic pet to unleash two weeks’ worth of incessant itch. Adult fleas are very fast moving, making them hard to spot.” Your vet may be able to suggest treatment, but the best action you can take at home is prevention. Keep on top of flea and tick treatments and continue them all year, as flea eggs can take several months to hatch.

What is the most common food allergy for dogs?

Like humans, dogs can react to certain foods, including grains and dairy, but the most common food allergies in dogs are to protein sources. Food reactions might present with itching and redness, but the only way to test is through a strict, vet-supervised elimination diet trial followed by gradual reintroduction of types of food. Once a list of ‘allergenic’ and ‘non-allergenic’ foods has been compiled, a suitable long-term diet can be selected, says Dr Hoolahan. “There are many commercially available single-protein or limited-ingredient diets available that are nutritionally balanced and suitable for food-allergic dogs,” she says. Consult your vet about your dog’s needs.

How to tell if your dog has a pollen, mould or environmental allergy

Environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis in your poor pup, and this most common dog allergy is often the most difficult to manage. “A thorough investigation to rule out other causes of the itch (including the other types of dog allergies) is required before it can be diagnosed,” explains Dr Hoolahan. “This type of allergy is caused by pollens, moulds, danders and dust mites – all the things that cause your hay fever symptoms!” Treatment can involve a range of methods. Medications to control the itching, identification and treatment of secondary infections, diet/supplements or topical treatments to improve the skin barrier, and allergen-specific desensitisation are all options.

Keep in mind...

Always seek professional advice from your vet before treating your pet.

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